Eclipse: Don’t be left in the dark
By Rabbi MORDECHAI RUBIN
Many looking forward to the “Great American Eclipse” on Monday, April 8.
The following highlights should keep us out of the dark, or perhaps allow us to view the dark in a different light.
Front Row Seats
Many of us are excited and perhaps even have plans on how to observe this rare occurrence. As the path for this total solar eclipse that will turn day into night across North America is from the southwest to the northeast, we in northeastern New York all have front-row “box seats” to this astronomical phenomenon.
If this was a mere fleeting occurrence someplace on the earth, or even in a “Timbuktu”-like place in the USA, maybe Idaho, we wouldn’t take this too seriously, and certainly wouldn’t make plans to see this celestial meeting.
However, when you have “box seats,” you think differently. You start by doing a bit of research and then somehow make a plan of going to see it.
I am speaking from personal experience. Originally I didn’t think much of all this “to-do.” I did a little research. My fascination and curiosity grew and grew. I was soon led to making some plans to take a family day trip to witness this G-dly magic in the patterns of the heavens.
Other Box Seats
Friends, the trick is out of the bag. We may have sometimes kidded ourselves to feel that we are on the left-field bleachers on the upper-upper deck of Judaism. No balls even get up here. We’re safe, we’re far from the action.
After the terrible attack on Israel on Simchat Torah (Oct. 7th), the reality is that every Jew is now in the front row. We have all been given box seats. That day changed our paradigm. Willingly or unwillingly, we are all called to the front lines.
No matter our affiliation or level of observance, we are faced with the realization that “a Jew is a Jew is a Jew.”
Now that you have gotten front row seats, it’s time to do a little research and find out what it’s all about to be a Jew. Delve into the beauty of our Torah, history, and traditions.
Once you do a little research, watch out — you will very likely find yourself making some type of plan to partake and be a part of this up-close. The more you explore, the more you’ll find yourself pulled into the joy and experience of living as a Jew.
Learn more, be curious, ask questions and then see yourself making plans to make a difference in your life in a Jewish way.
Don’t Just Passover
But what if you don’t have box seats for the eclipse, and you are in sunny Florida. What then does this mean to you?
Here are some more highlights:
If you think about it, this whole “meshugas” (craze), is being made over something that is a set and very momentary occurrence, which can be predicted hundreds of years in advance. There is no miracle or surprise happening.
Our daytime sun will be covered by the moon, creating a mini “night” in the middle of the afternoon. In the words of this season: It’s just a quick 3-minute “Pass-over” of the moon over the sun.
In truth, there is no such thing as, “just a little passover.” A billboard says it best: “Don’t just Pass-over Passover!”
We all know that the Passover’s message of freedom from slavery, bondage and oppression by anti-Semites is never more timely than now.
Let’s make this year’s Passover better than ever. Take your seder plans to the next level. Invite friends to join, get the best most traditional handmade shmurah matzah, and share it with others!
On a more serious note:
What To Look Out For?
Amongst all the fanfare, we keep hearing the refrain— don’t forget about the safety and the damage that can occur during the eclipse.
The buzz word is: “Eclipse glasses.” You need the right glasses!
It’s all about perspective. In life that can’t be truer. We need the right glasses on to ensure that we are being safe and protected from seeing harmful things.
Viewing The World
The glasses that give us moral clarity and focus is our Torah. What could be a better manual for the game of life than the manual its creator has given us, our Holy Torah?
Ask yourself, do I have the right glasses? Whenever in life we have any dilemma, certainly of great moral choices, we turn to the best, God’s life manual. Sometimes you may have a hard time finding the right page or instruction. For any troubleshooting needs, ask an expert, and your local rabbi will be glad to help.
Last but not least. What does this divine manual have to say about the glasses we should have for solar eclipses?
So here will be your case study, does the Torah give us perspective even on eclipses?
For the sake of brevity at this point, I will have to use our very topic and “eclipse” the great light of the “sun” and just share with you a small life lesson from within the vastness of Torah wisdom.
As a Chasidic rabbi, I will share with you my inspiration from the mystics.
Here is the Kabbalah of the solar eclipse!
In each of us, there shines a bright sun. But there also exists a time of its eclipse—a moment when our inner light is obscured. Let’s delve into the kabbalistic perspective on solar eclipses and how they relate to our spiritual journey.
The Song of the Sun
In the Midrash (‘Perek Shirah’ — Songs of Praise), each creation praises its creator through a unique song. The Kabbalists teach that these songs represent the life-force and divine energy of each being.
What does the sun sing about? Surprisingly, it sings about the time of its eclipse:
“The sun, when covered by the moon, stood in its abode; they walk to the light of your arrows, and by the shine of your glittering spear.”(Habakuk 3:9)
Why would the sun sing about its eclipse? After all, it provides warmth and sustains life on our planet.
Rabbi Moshe ben Yosef di Trani (16th-century rabbi in Safed, Israel) explains that the sun praises G-d even during its eclipse. Despite the moon blocking its light, the sun remains steadfast. The moon, however, has no inherent light — it merely reflects the sun’s radiance.
The lesson? Everything serves a purpose, even challenges. Sometimes, we can’t immediately see the good within adversity.
So here’s the irony of the solar eclipse: During a solar eclipse, we get a rare opportunity to look directly at the sun. Normally, we bask in its rays without staring at it.
Yet during the brief totality of an eclipse, we can gaze at the sun with our naked eyes.
Perhaps this irony teaches us that even in moments of darkness, there’s something to learn. Just as the sun sings about its eclipse, we too can find meaning in our challenges.
If something enters our world, it’s there for a reason — to help our souls fulfill their mission.
So, where is the solar eclipse within your life? What lesson does it teach you about your unique purpose?
Solar eclipses remind us that light and shadow coexist. Just as the sun persists during its eclipse, we too can find strength and purpose even in challenging times. Let’s embrace both the light and the moments of obscurity, for they all contribute to our spiritual journey.
May this Passover season illuminate and guide us toward greater understanding and connection with our divine calling.
Rabbi Mordechai Rubin is co director of the Colonie Chabad, 518-368-7886.
